Gulf of Guinea: High threat of piracy to persist in Gulf of Guinea following notable incidents in January 2021 /update 1

Event

Piracy, particularly hijacking and criminal boarding of anchored vessels, will likely persist in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) through early 2021. The highest threat of attack will continue to be in Nigeria’s Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ); however, the general threat to vessels underway and at port exists from Guinea to Angola’s northern coastline. Attacks could occur deep offshore. Incidents will continue to be perpetrated by well-organized pirate action groups (PAGs) and opportunistic criminals. While all vessels operating in the region face an elevated threat from piracy, commercial vessels are persistently targeted by Niger Delta-based PAGs in hijacking attempts.

Context

The threat of piracy is elevated in the GoG with vessels underway and anchored susceptible to acts of criminality. The International Chamber of Commerce International Maritime Bureau’s (ICC-IMB) reporting Center has indicated that the number of kidnappings in GoG in the first nine months of 2020 has increased 40 percent compared to the same period in 2019. Naval forces, particularly those outside of Nigeria, are poorly resourced and unable to effectively deal with the issue. Incidents have been perpetrated by well-armed and organized PAGs. Incidents have also occurred deep offshore likely with the aid of "mother ships," larger supporting pirate vessels. Several notable attacks and kidnappings have already been reported in January 2021. The primary motivation remains financial with kidnappers demanding a ransom for the release of the captured crew. There is an elevated threat of violence associated with maritime kidnappings in the region, particularly during rescue operations, when kidnappers may exchange fire with security personnel, posing a potential threat to the safety of the victims.

Resources

International Maritime Organization
Maritime Domain Awareness Trade - Gulf of Guinea
IMB Piracy & Armed Robbery Map 2020